Chris first became a mentee as an undergraduate student, with the goal of gaining career guidance, learning more about the local industry, and potentially securing a summer or part-time internship. He was paired with a highly supportive mentor who helped him identify a path aligned with his interests and strengths, while also offering insight into which areas of the industry were in high demand. 

Although the mentor’s firm did not have an opening at the time, the mentor went a step further by making a referral to another industry contact—one that ultimately led to an internship opportunity. This guidance proved invaluable, particularly since Chris did not have family members with industry-specific experience or local professional connections. 

Now working professionally in the industry, Cane2Cane has come full circle for Chris. The program has given him the opportunity to give back to the same community that played a pivotal role in his career journey. With experience across multiple areas of the financial industry—and being only 10–15 years removed from his own student experience—he finds he is especially able to connect with and support current students. 

Chris encourages fellow alumni to consider becoming Cane2Cane mentors, noting that the commitment requires little more than time, while the knowledge and experience shared can make a lasting impact. 

Chris’s journey is a powerful reminder that mentorship doesn’t just shape careers, it creates connections that change lives.